Top Five Fuel Efficient SUVs to Buy If You Have a Baby on the Way

One of the things that expecting parents realize when preparing for their "blessed arrival" is that babies require a whole lot of stuff. Whether or not you are at home or just trying to take your newborn to the grocery store you will no doubt find that babies up the "clutter" quotient in your life tenfold. That is why so many new parents drive SUVs or crossovers. They just make sense considering how much stuff you need to carry on a day to day basis.

But some parents go a little too far. I am sorry but if you have one child you don't need a Suburban. Those are for polygamist Mormons with 9 children or people like Octomom. To be honest, you really should have to have a Class C license to drive one of those. For most families a midsize, economical SUV will suit them just fine. And that class is just full of fun to drive, fuel efficient and spacious alternatives to the dreaded minivan (which are pretty much required once you get to child #3). Here are five of the best SUV crossovers that both parents and kids will enjoy riding in. All come with automatic transmissions and have the option of AWD (although you really don't need that unless you live in a snowy climate).

Honda CR-V-(20 city/27 highway)-(starting at $21,245)-(166 horsepower 4 cylinder engine)-While the CR-V might not sound like it is very fast the VTEC engine and five speed automatic work in perfect harmony to create one peppy SUV. The CR-V has plenty of handy storage cubbies and as it is a Honda it should be totally bulletproof reliability-wise. The CR-V is a smart choice as it enjoys excellent resale value and continually ranks high in customer satisfaction. You really can't lose with a CR-V.

Hyundai Santa Fe SE-(17 city/24 highway)-(starting at $22,295 after rebates)-(242 horsepower V6 engine)-There is a less expensive GLS version of the Santa Fe but it comes with an ancient and underpowered 2.7 liter V6 that makes more wheezing noises than your Uncle Phil with emphysema. So avoid that model if at all possible. The SE comes with a state of the art 3.3 liter V6 that is smoother than even the unit used in the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX. The Santa Fe SE comes pretty much loaded but you can option it up further with rear seat entertainment and even a third row of seats. An added bonus is Hyundai's 10 year/100,000 mile warranty but keep this in mind if you are thinking of buying nearly new-a used Hyundai sees its warranty knocked back to 6 years/50,000 miles. Keeping in mind all the bargains Hyundai announces on a near daily basis it really does make sense to buy your Santa Fe new.

Nissan Rogue-(22 city/27 highway)-(starting at $20,780)-(170 horsepower 4 cylinder engine)-Cute and sporty where many medium sized crossovers are frumpy and dorky, the Rogue apes the looks of its stylish older sister the Murano. Although the Rogue was new last year it managed to shoot to the top of the class quality wise by winning the "J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Award" for its segment. It may not have as much cargo room as some of its competition but the Rogue makes up for it by looking good. And who said it was easy being pretty?

Toyota RAV4-(22 city/28 highway)-(starting at $21,500)-(179 horsepower 4 cylinder engine)-Over the years the RAV4 has grown so much in size it almost fits into the same category as the original Highlander. But extra space can be a boon for growing families and as the RAV4 is a Toyota it should be reliable. There is, however, the RAV4's girlie reputation to consider so if your husband ever plans on driving the SUV you may want to think twice.

2010 Chevy Equinox-26 city/32 highway)-(starting at $24,440)-(182 horsepower ECOTEC 4 cylinder engine)-How is the 2010 Chevy Equinox suddenly the class leader? Isn't GM going through bankruptcy proceedings? Well, before that happened Chevy engineers managed to give their new mid-size SUV the most fuel efficient engine, a six speed automatic and an engine that even boasts an "ECO" function for better economy at low speeds. In addition, the new Equinox has a beautifully realized, high quality interior and a stylishly angular new exterior design. Yes, I am still talking about a Chevy Equinox. If this is the kind of product GM has in store for us in the future there may just be hope for Mr. Obama's personally owned car company just yet.